It's going to be a hot summer. Southern Europe swelters as record heatwaves hit Greece, Cyprus, Italy

Brits love spending their vacations in the southern part of Europe mainly due to reliable weather. However, what is happening in their favourite countries now is excessive for many. Thermometers in Greece and Cyprus are showing record temperatures. It will not be any better in Italy, either.

Even before the holiday season has started, a heatwave is hitting Greece and Cyprus this week.

On Tuesday, in three places in Greece, the temperature exceeded 39°C. Meanwhile, on Wednesday afternoon in Athens, thermometers showed 34°C. Authorities urge residents and guests to drink plenty of water and avoid staying outside during the hottest parts of the day. Interestingly, this is Greece's warmest first week of June in recorded history. The previous record for this period was set in 2019.

Meteorologists warn of frequent and intense heatwaves in the coming summer months. They remind us that the past winter in Greece was the warmest in recorded history. Authorities are also alerting that the upcoming summer season will be very challenging regarding fire hazards.

In Cyprus, due to high temperatures exceeding 40°C in the central part of the country, a ban on performing particular outdoor work between 12:00 and 16:00 GMT has been issued. Among those who should not work are couriers delivering packages by bike and motorcycle and construction workers.

The first heatwave of the year is also approaching Italy. In some parts of the country, temperatures may reach 40°C. The so-called African anticyclone will arrive over the centre and north on Friday and Saturday, and between Sunday and Monday, it will hit the south.

According to forecasts, hot air masses from the Sahara will also bring high humidity, especially in the Po Valley region, alpine valleys, and the centre.